Eighteen is not what it is cracked up to be, said Martia Abing and Brooklyn Friederick, both seniors at Potosi High School. One of the biggest advantages we talked about was their ability to vote for the first time and what that meant to them. “I went with my dad when I voted for the first time, so when I am able to vote in college I know what I am doing without someone there. My vote is contributing to a huge decision. The feeling of involvement was real while being able to vote,” said Martia. Brooklyn was very excited to vote. “I was pretty excited to vote. Sometimes people have to wait to vote because they did not turn eighteen quick enough. It was like a right of passage to be able to vote for the next leader of the country. I had an impact on who was going to be the next president,” said Brooklyn.
When you are eighteen, you are considered an adult but they are still students, so how is the life of an eighteen-year-old any different than any other high schooler? “There is not much freedom, I am still a minor. I am still a student and attend school every day, so obviously it has its benefits, but it also has its downfalls. Being eighteen is not what it is all cracked up to be,” said Brooklyn.
So, eighteen is really not that cool? The short answer is no. They still have to go to school every single day like everyone else. There are some pros to being eighteen at school. For example, they do not have to call their parents when they need to leave for an appointment, or if they suddenly get sick and have to go home. They can just excuse themselves. The one downfall is that they both still live under their parents’ roof, so they do both still have to ask permission to do things. Brooklyn’s parents still provide all the essentials for her. “I am still living at home under my parents’ roof. I am not out buying my own apartment, buying groceries, and supporting myself financially,” said Brooklyn. One of the things that is cool about eighteen is they can now buy lottery tickets. “I can buy a lottery ticket and I can get rich, but my classmates can’t,” Brooklyn said.
“Honestly, I do not feel like an adult. I will be a student for another four years. Voting and being considered a student is still being an adult. You have to learn responsibility at some point, because you are not going to have your parents with you all the time,” said Martia. She still lives under her parents’ roof. Martia plans on attending Viterbo University, so she will be going off to college away from her parents. She will have to learn responsibility and will have to provide for herself in a whole new way. “College is a good lesson for being off on your own and being independent,” Martia explained.
Everyone is going to turn eighteen eventually. Martia and Brooklyn would just like to let you know that it is really not something to get all hyped up about. You will have your moments where eighteen is fun, but most of the time it is basically the same as any other age. Just like any other age, it has its pros and cons.